Across the Katsura River stands Togetsukyo Bridge. This isn’t just any bridge. It’s a landmark in Arashiyama a district in western Kyoto. For over four hundred years Togetsukyo Bridge has graced this landscape.
Togetsukyo means Moon-Crossing Bridge. Emperor Kameyama gave it this poetic name. He was captivated by the moon’s reflection on the water. It seemed as if the moon itself crossed the bridge. Togetsukyo Bridge has a long and storied past. The original bridge was made entirely of wood during the Heian period in 836. It has been destroyed and rebuilt many times. The current bridge a blend of old and new is made of reinforced concrete. Cypress wood forms its elegant balustrade. This design echoes the original bridge.
Many historical films have used Togetsukyo Bridge as a setting. It adds an air of timeless beauty to their scenes. But there’s a less-known tradition linked to Togetsukyo Bridge. Local children participate in a special initiation. Boys and girls especially girls in kimono receive a temple blessing. Then they walk across Togetsukyo Bridge. They must do so without looking back. Looking back is said to bring bad luck. It adds a layer of intrigue to the bridge’s history.
The views from Togetsukyo Bridge are breathtaking. Arashiyama Mountain provides a stunning backdrop. The colors of the cherry blossoms in spring are spectacular. In autumn the fiery maples create an equally mesmerizing view. Togetsukyo Bridge is a place to admire the scenery. It’s also a place to ponder history and tradition.
Walk across Togetsukyo Bridge. Feel the wood beneath your feet. Imagine the emperors and children who walked before you. Togetsukyo Bridge a silent witness to centuries of life. It connects the past to the present. This is more than a bridge. It’s a piece of Kyoto’s soul.